2016 Oscars Challenge: [31] “Bridge Of Spies” – Best Original Score

BRIDGE OF SPIES
Thomas Newman

The paranoia and uneasiness of the Cold War are brought to life by Thomas Newman’s score for “Bridge Of Spies.” On top of being a period piece, the film itself is a re-teaming of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, which brings about reminiscent qualities that are shared with the score. Pushing scenes like the final bridge exchange, the battle in the courts, and the moments of sincerity between Hanks’ lawyer character and Rylance’s Russian spy, Newman pushes the piano and strings to bring a contemplative nature to these sequences.

What’s its competition? The pundits are putting their chips on the original score for “The Hateful Eight,” while I’m still weighing my options with the nostalgia factor of John Williams with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and even then you have Jóhann Jóhannsson’s amazingly powerful score for “Sicario,” so the chances of Thomas Newman pulling through is quite unlikely, seeing as “Bridge of Spies” does not “wow” like any of those mentioned. However, if you want to come up with a case that ends up working in his favor, it’s the fact that he’s been nominated thirteen times and has never won, meaning the Academy could be looking for any reason to give him the win.

Previous nominations? This is the thirteenth Academy Award nomination for Thomas Newman. He was previously nominated for:

SAVING MR. BANKS (2013)
Nominee, Music (Original Score)

SKYFALL (2012)
Nominee, Music (Original Score)

WALL-E (2008)
Nominee, Music (Original Score)

WALL-E (2008)
Nominee, Music (Original Song)

THE GOOD GERMAN (2006)
Nominee, Music (Original Score)

LEMONY SNICKET’S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS (2004)
Nominee, Music (Original Score)